Public Health and Environment
Communities for Teen Health
In the Summer of 2000, the Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment convened a community advisory committee to help select a targeted risk behavior and develop an action plan. Through this process, the "Communities For Teen Health" initiative was created. This initiative is focusing on the prevention of suicide and promotion of mental health among teens through three main focus strategies
Teen Health Fund
The Teen Health Fund was established in January 2001 to assist local communities in the county to plan, implement and evaluate activities to address suicide and mental health among youth. Public Health & Environment staff are providing technical assistance to the following communities and their specific projects to address teen mental health, depression, suicide prevention and youth development. Staff can be contacted at 651-430-6655 or email to PHE@co.washington.mn.us.
- Forest Lake, Minnesota?
- Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program, Youth Lifelines, Depression Education and Screening in 10th Grade Health Classes; Teen Center Support
- Mahtomedi, Minnesota
- Depression Education & Screening in 10th Grade Health Classes; Peer Mentoring and After School Activities
- Oakdale, Minnesota
- Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program, Depression Awareness and Education and Screening in 7th and 10th Grade Health Classes; Mental Health Student Support Groups
- South Washington County
- Depression Awareness, Education at various schools, Depression Screening and Peer Helper Program at Oltman Junior High
- Stillwater, Minnesota
- Depression Awareness Activities at Junior and Sentior High Schools; S.T.A.R.T. youth groups (Students Teaching Awareness, Responsibility and Togetherness)
Teen Resources
Based on information from 1,800 teens in the County, a video and website on depression awareness and suicide prevention was developed and distributed to Junior and Senior High health teachers throughout the county in 2003. The WACY-Washington County Youth website http://www.wacy.org continues to provide local information on how to recognize, respond and refer for depression/ suicide. The website was updated in 2005 to include more teen health topics and resources.
